Two-center phase 2 trial of neoadjuvant pembrolizumab plus carboplatin-docetaxel for triple-negative breast cancer

The phase 2 NeoPact trial, at University of Kansas Medical Center (Kansas City) and Baylor College Medical Center (Dallas, TX) evaluated neoadjuvant pembrolizumab plus anthracycline-free chemotherapy (carboplatin plus docetaxel) for triple-negative breast cancer. The trial included 115 patients. pCR was seen in 58% of patients. Three-year event-free survival rate was 86% (98% in pCR patients and 68% in patients with residual disease). Immune enrichment as identified by various biomarkers was independently predictive of pCR. The authors conclude that the findings of the trial provide data on an alternative anthracycline-free chemoimmunotherapy regimen for TNBC patients who are not eligible for anthracycline-based regimens.